DEAN Kiely paid tribute to Bostjan Cesar following his seventh clean sheet of the season.

The Baggies keeper was pleased to keep his second successive shut-out following the 2-0 win against Norwich last week.

Kiely believes centre-half Cesar has made a big difference, giving Albion some much needed steel at the back.

The 37-year-old said: "With Bostjan, the one trait you look for with a centre-half is that he relishes a battle and he does.

"He likes a phystical challenge and most weeks there will be a physical element in the games we play at this level and he's done very well."

Kiely himself made two vital first-half saves to deny Watford during the first-half, from Tommy Smith and Darius Henderson.

The latter's header was held by Kiely just in front of the goal line, prompting the home fans to call for the goal to be awarded.

But the Albion No1 insisted there was no question of it being awarded, despite referee Michael Jones' decision infuriating supporters.

It also maintained his impressive clean sheet ratio.

"I'm sat here on seven clean sheets for this season," added Kiely. "I have a career record ratio of one clean sheet in every three games and I'm better than that at the moment so I'm very pleased with that. It's important for me to keep that going.

"There was a big shout for a goal but it was nowhere near - the referee got it right.

"I try to be positive about my contribution and I was happy on Saturday."